It’s San Diego’s favorite time of year, when the picture-perfect sunsets illuminate the sky, the weather is just right and the locals flock to the finest eateries and bars in the city. If you’re looking to make the most of your summer and enjoy the warm air, dine at one of San Diego’s many indoor-outdoor restaurants. Here are some of our favorite spots that offer the ideal atmosphere to unwind, relax and indulge in delicious bites on a great day.
The Patio on Lamont
It’s a no-brainer that The Patio on Lamont is a must-visit spot this season. The open-air eatery located in scenic Pacific Beach invites you and your furry-friend to take in the day on the charming patio. It doesn’t get better than all day happy hour on Monday’s serving delectable food specials and refreshing cocktails.
The Patio on Goldfinch
Another indoor-outdoor restaurant on this A-list is The Patio on Goldfinch, a local favorite that stands in the heart of Mission Hills. The chic, neighborhood eatery serves sustainable, chef-inspired modern cuisine and small plates that can be shared with all. Don’t forget to snap a picture in front of the lush plant wall in the sunshine before heading out to the beach!
Fireside by The Patio
Last but not least, spend Sunday Funday in San Diego’s historic Liberty Station and experience premier outdoor dining at Fireside by The Patio. Wood-fired fare is on the menu at this one-of-a-kind, hot spot. The patio area has an abundance of seating for large gatherings, kid-friendly games for the little ones and dazzling string lights, making it for a magical summer night.
Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Theatre Box
Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Theatre Box, located in downtown San Diego, will shake up Independence Day with a patriotic milkshake - the Red, White and Boom! - available Thursday, June 27 through Wednesday, July 31. The Red, White and Boom! Insane Milkshake is an over-the-top vanilla milkshake served in a royal blue white chocolate ganache-dipped mug decorated with red, white and blue sour gummy stars and sprinkles, topped with whipped cream, a tower of sprinkle-dipped marshmallows and a red, white and blue pinwheel pop. Yum!
The Pioneer
Nothing quite screams Independence Day like some good, old-fashioned barbecue, so tuck that napkin in your collar like a pro and dig in at The Pioneer! Try your hand at their dry-rubbed and barbecue-glazed Baby Back Ribs, while you sip a cocktail from their patriotic cocktail list curated for the occasion. You can’t go wrong with The Patriot, infused with rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice and strawberry puree float.
Bub’s @ the Beach
Pay tribute to the red, white and blue with a trip to Bub’s @ the Beach in Pacific Beach. Bask in the eatery’s laid-back beach vibes as you sip their July “Bomb Pop” Mule of the Month, crafted with a red, white and blue layering of blueberry vodka, blueberry puree, fresh lime juice, ginger beer and grenadine.
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza
Want all the BBQ flavors without the hassle of firing up the grill? Head to any of the Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza locations to dig into their seasonal summer salads, only available for a limited time. A classic summer staple, watermelon, can be enjoyed with the Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad, topped with toasted almonds and drizzled in lemon-mint vinaigrette. Looking for something more classic ‘BBQ’ flavor? Order the Sweet & Sassy BBQ Salad, prepared with grilled chicken tossed in barbecue sauce, roma tomatoes, gorgonzola, fresh corn, red onion, cilantro, ranch and crispy tortilla strips. Pair it all with Summer Sips Flight, featuring Sancerre Blanc, Pascal Jolivet Pinot Grigio, Ruffino II Ducale Rose and Jean Luc Columbo, all served in 3-oz. tasters.
Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp
Celebrate in San Diego's liveliest downtown neighborhood when you stop by Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp, and enjoy brunch and bottomless mimosas starting at 9 a.m., followed by food and drink specials available from 2 p.m. to close. Gorge on their Disheveled Joseph (sloppy joe) piled high with ground beef stewed in a spiced tomato sauce, caramelized onion and roasted wild mushrooms on a warm brioche bun, or delight in their Double Chili Cheese Burger, prepared with two quarter-pound patties, house chili, white cheddar cheese and a brioche bun, both served with your choice of a side. Side specials for the day include Chili Cheese Fries and Whole Grain Mustard & Bacon Potato Salad. If something sweet and boozy is in order, be sure to order their $8 Betsy Ross cocktail special, infused with peach vodka, orgeat and lemon.
Waterbar
Celebrate Independence Day with ocean-front views at Waterbar in Pacific Beach during their RED, WHITE & Tentacles Summertime Beach Party, and delight in food and drink specials honed for the occasion. Drink specials include $7 Red, White, Blue Boozy Popsicles, as well as $12 Tito’s Frozen Electric Lemonade and Frozen Jack Cherry Coke. Curb your brunch cravings with options such as Loaded Breakfast Tots and their flavor-packed Breakfast Burrito, among other options, or opt for lunch specials including The East Coaster, packed with Maine lobster claw meat, drawn butter, celery and garlic salt on a brioche roll, or Fried Corn Dogs. If dinner’s on the docket, keep it all-American with Americana Sliders, or their Carne Asada, Pollo Asado or Grilled Salmon Plate served with baked beans, macaroni salad and sweet corn.
Pacific Beach AleHouse
Get hoppy this 4th of July at Pacific Beach AleHouse, and slide into summertime feels with barbecue specials paired with Adult Slushies and $5 House-Brewed All American Lager. The AleHouse BBQ Special includes your choice of a half-rack of ribs, pulled pork or smoked tri-tip for $15.95, or a combo of all three for $21.95. Both options are plated with jalapeno cornbread, baked beans and macaroni salad for good measure!
Backyard Kitchen & Tap
Backyard Kitchen & Tap in Pacific Beach is gearing up for Independence Day with a food special available all day on the 4th, complete with barbecue ribs, mac ‘n’ cheese, cornbread muffin, roasted corn and coleslaw, all priced at $14.95!
THE LOT!
What better way to celebrate with family and friends than at THE LOT! Celebrate this Independence Day with a deluxe BBQ buffet, the new Spider-Man: Far From Home movie, $5 beer specials and fireworks!
barleymash
Born in the U.S.A…I was born in the U.S.A. barleymash is going big for the 4th of July this year with their Red, White & Bruce Brunch, a Springsteen/80’s themed brunch on Friday, July 5th! Starting at 10:00 a.m., the Gaslamp District spot will be serving specialty-themed cocktails such as a Long Walk Home, made with Skyy Citrus, Coconut and lemon, and Rocky Ground - Skyy Watermelon, fresh watermelon juice and lime with a pop rock rim. Things will surely be rockin’ at barleymash this 4th of July!
Mavericks Beach Club
Mavericks Beach Club, PB’s destination beach bar and club will be the place to be this 4th of July, as they’ve got quite the lineup of fun planned! The Mavericks Block Party, which takes place from Noon to 9:00 p.m., will feature a BBQ stand, inflatable hoops game, San Diego’s best DJs and a Splash Zone. Mavericks will be celebrating by setting up cabanas with inflatable pools that can be reserved for bottle service during the block party.
The Smoking Gun
Come celebrate 4th of July Coney Island-style with a hotdog eating contest at The Smoking Gun! On Thursday, July 4th, this retro Gaslamp District bar will be hosting a hotdog eating contest that begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. Whoever can eat 20 dogs the quickest will win $1,000! Pre-sign up is required for the first 25 people and you can enter by emailing Info@thesmokinggunsd.com. If you think you got what it takes, don’t hesitate and enter today! If you aren’t in the mood for all of that, swing in for a big ‘ol American style breakfast plate with pancakes, eggs, meats and bacon. Oh, and bottomless mimosas, of course.
WhipHand
Nothing says America like beer, and East Village’s WhipHand will be offering 25% off their self-serve beer bank on the 4th of July! Sip and savor flavors like Juneshine’s Blood Orange Mint hard kombucha and Modern Times City of the Sun IPA. WhipHand will also be offering ½ off wings and burgers, such as their Smoked Cheddar Burger, with dry-aged beef, smoked cheddar, candied bacon, Cajun onions, lettuce, tomato, and pickle chips.
Park 101
If you’re looking to kick off your 4th of July weekend with some family-fun, look no further than Park 101! On Thursday, the Carlsbad dining establishment will be hosting a 4th of July Luau with island-inspired food and drink specials throughout the day. The party doesn’t stop once the sun goes down, as guests can look forward to performances from Polynesian dancers and a fire show. Aloha attire is encouraged!
Miss B's Coconut Club
Miss B's Coconut Club, in Mission Beach, will be celebrating the 4th of July all weekend long! Stop by the beach bar Thursday through Saturday, to enjoy delicious barbecue, Caribbean-style street tacos, Dole Whips and specialty drinks served from their outdoor, pop-up bar. You’ll also have the perfect view of the surrounding fireworks shows!
Sandbar
Nothing says ‘4th of July’ like a day spent at the beach and Sandbar is the perfect spot to refuel! The Mission Beach bar will also host themed parties Thursday, July 4th through Saturday, July 6th, along offering BBQ dishes and drink specials all weekend long. Come up to the roof deck and take in the ocean views over those award-winning TKO tacos!
Seaport Village
Seaport Village, the bay’s iconic shopping and dining complex, is celebrating Independence Day in a big way with a family-friendly lineup of waterfront fun before the fireworks light up the night sky! From 4 to 8 p.m., the village will host a free event filled with live music, kid-approved crafts, games, amazing prizes and much more. From patriotic photo opps to delicious restaurant deals, Seaport Village is the ultimate San Diego hot spot to catch the fireworks, with pre-show activities including:
Kids craft zone
Giant Paint-by-Numbers community mural
Live entertainment including music, stilt walkers and more
“Wheel of Seaport Fortune” with amazing prizes
Food & beverage promotions from Seaport Village’s sidewalk eateries and waterfront restaurants
Del Frisco’s
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, San Diego swankiest dining destination, is offering a unique 4th of July experience for those looking to beat the crowds while taking advantage of the best view in town. From 7 to 10 p.m., guests will gather on Del Frisco’s pristine patio to celebrate the Big Bay Boom Viewing Party ($50 per person) which includes delicious passed hors d’oeuvres from Executive Chef Brian Christman. The package also includes two drink tickets for beer, wine or specialty cocktails, complete with breathtaking firework views. To purchase, call 619.272.5060.
SEA180°
Celebrate on the beach at SEA180° in Imperial Beach. Experience an All American BBQ on the Pier View Terrace from 6 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet featuring Wagyu cheeseburgers, smoked brisket sliders, ambrosia salad, jalapeño cornbread and more. Guests can also purchase a VIP Package that provides access and the best views of the fireworks from the Alta Mar Rooftop of the Pier South Resort. Complimentary valet parking is included for all ticket holders.
Let us know what you're doing on the 4th! Looking forward to celebrating another day of independence.